WNBA Players Could Triple Compensation With Groundbreaking New Contract
The WNBA and its union announced a tentative labor contract on Tuesday that would dramatically increase player salaries, provide paid maternity leave and improve travel accommodations, among other benefits.
The eight-year deal, which still needs to be ratified by the league’s board of governors, has been hailed as a historic and groundbreaking win for the WNBA and all women athletes.
“We’ve really gone all out here,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The New York Times of the proposed agreement, which would kick in this season and run through 2027. “We’re making a big bet on this league, a big bet on women, and that in professional sports, that the WNBA can lead the way.”
BREAKING: The WNBA and WNBA Players Association have reached a tentative 8-year collective bargaining agreement. Key elements in the pictures below. For the first time, average cash compensation of WNBA players will exceed six figures. pic.twitter.com/0OuUj5YT8x
— Alicia Jessop (@RulingSports) January 14, 2020
Under the deal, the WNBA’s top players could earn more than $500,000 a year ― which the Times pointed out would be three times higher than last season’s cap.
The maximum WNBA salary would increase from $117,500 to $215,000, SB Nation reported. On top of that, the league has agreed to earmark $1.6 million annually for off-season league and team marketing agreements, which could see top players earning up to $250,000 more. Players can also rake in bonuses for All-Star appearances and awards, the Times noted.
Though the league’s elite players would benefit most from the new salary scheme, all players ― including rookies ― would see a boost in pay. SB Nation said the league’s minimum salary for inexperienced players would increase to $57,000, up from $41,965; and to $68,000 for more experienced players, up from $56,375.
The deal, reportedly approved overwhelmingly by players, also includes an unprecedented agreement by the league to share half of its revenue with players. The 50-50 split, which would start in 2021, would be based on the league achieving revenue growth targets, the WNBA said.
WNBA players have long called for the same revenue split as players in the NBA, who receive around half of the league’s revenue. WNBA players currently get just 20% to 30% of the revenue pie, the Times reported.
“I was adamant on the 50-50 target,” Engelbert told CBS News of the change. “The league and players work together to market this league so we can share revenue with the players.”
The new deal also promises better travel and maternity benefits. Though players ― some of whom are almost 7 feet tall ― will continue to fly commercial, they’ll be able to upgrade to premium economy rather than having to squeeze into coach.
The deal will also ensure that players receive their full salary while on maternity leave. Veteran players will also have access to some fertility benefits.
Engelbert said she expected the league’s board of governors to unanimously approve the contract.
“This is a historic agreement and I am looking forward to driving the league to the next level,” the commissioner wrote on Twitter.
So great to share our ground breaking news this morning on @GMA with @RobinRoberts and @Nnemkadi30! This is a historic agreement and I am looking forward to driving the league to the next level, together @WNBA https://t.co/cCV5mnu721
— Cathy Engelbert (@CathyEngelbert) January 14, 2020
Women athletes in and out of the WNBA celebrated the landmark deal on social media.
Elena Delle Donne, the WNBA’s 2019 Most Valuable Player, said on Twitter that it had taken “relentless dedication” by the league and its union to “get this done.”
Chiney Ogwumike, vice-president of the WNBA Players Association, said she was “soooo proud” of the achievement.
“The future is bright!” declared U.S. ice hockey star and two-time Olympic medallist Kendall Coyne Schofield.
A historic day. Relentless dedication and hardwork by the @TheWNBPA and @WNBA to get this done. #BetOnWomen 👏👏 https://t.co/4RwzC7cjhV
— Elena Delle Donne (@De11eDonne) January 14, 2020
Ladies & gentlemen... they BET ON WOMEN! ✊🏿💯
Soooo proud of our new WNBA CBA!
A THREAD! ⤵️— Chiney Ogwumike (@Chiney321) January 14, 2020
PLAYER SALARY & COMPENSATION:
✅ 30% increase to the salary cap
✅ Higher Max Player Salary goes from $117,500 to $215,000
✅ ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION for select top players up to $300,000
✅ First time EVER that the average player compensation is six figures!— Chiney Ogwumike (@Chiney321) January 14, 2020
The future is bright! @WNBA and @Nnemkadi30 setting the market for women to be successful professional athletes. https://t.co/dMWFLyAmV9
— Kendall Coyne Schofield (@KendallCoyne) January 14, 2020
Stars in the NBA ― where top players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant earn more than $30 million a year ― also weighed in.
“Great day for the WNBA,” Josh Hart of the New Orleans Pelicans tweeted.
“A step in the right direction,” retired NBA star Dwyane Wade said.
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👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/FrehLtwxu6
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) January 14, 2020
A step in the right direction for the @WNBA ✊🏾
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 14, 2020
👏🏽👏🏽 they deserve it. Great day for the WNBA https://t.co/xrFYt6OkAV
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) January 14, 2020
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 14, 2020
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.